Squid Game Season 3 ending divides fans: Internet compares finale to Game of Thrones, calls it 'useless extension' of the series.

Time of India

2 days ago

Squid Game Season 3 ending: We never thought Squid Game and Game of Thrones would end up in the same sentence aside from both having game in their titles. But now, fans are drawing strong parallels between the two after Squid Game Season 3 ended with what many are calling a disappointing and unnecessary finale. Viewers say the gripping survival drama, once praised for its originality and emotional depth, has now fallen into the same trap as Game of Thrones, which faced massive backlash when it ended in 2019. Fans of both shows believe their final seasons rushed through complex storylines, neglected character arcs, and ultimately delivered endings that felt disconnected from everything that made them great.
Squid Game Season 3 ending: Who won the game and what happened to Gi Hun?
The final round of Squid Game Season 3 took viewers on an emotional journey. In a haunting setup dubbed the 'Sky Squid Game', only three players remained: Gi-hun (Player 456), Myung-gi (Player 333), and Jun Hee's newborn daughter (Player 222). Yes, a baby, added as a contestant in the show's darkest twist yet.
Suspended atop towering platforms, Myung Gi met a grim fate during a brutal confrontation with Gi Hun, falling to his death. But the game wasn't technically over. To win, Gi-hun still had to press a button, essentially choosing whether to eliminate the infant.
Instead, Gi Hun did what only he could. He walked toward the button and said, 'We are not horses. We are humans.' Then, without hesitation, he pressed it, sacrificing himself so the baby could live. His fall marked one of the show's most powerful moments. In doing so, he made Jun-hee's daughter the official winner of the ₩45.6 billion prize (around USD 33.5 million).
Why are fans criticising the ending?
Despite Gi-hun's dramatic final choice, many fans were left confused and unconvinced. For a character who had been the driving force of the story, his sudden death didn't sit right with some viewers. Gi Hun was supposed to take down the system, not die for it. Others questioned how a baby could win the game without participating in every round, calling it a forced plot device. To many, the ending felt like a stretch, as if the creators were looking for a way to keep the series going after its massive success. The finale has sparked a wide range of reactions online, with some calling it bold and others simply calling it unnecessary.
One user wrote, "Final episode… never seen a series end that badly. Is that how the GoT fans felt all this time?"
Squid game season 3 spoilers Final episode.. never seen a series end that badly is that how the GoT fans felt all this time pic.twitter.com/v8vSwGuBEE
Another added, "The concept of going back into the games with a whack plan, leaving all that money unattended and sacrificing yourself for a random baby while your own daughter was waiting on you for years… the show should've ENDED after season 1."
Squid game season 3 spoilers //.......The concept of going back into the games with a whack plan, leaving all that money unattended n sacrificing yourself for a random baby while ur own daughter was waiting on u for years.. the show should've ENDED after s1 pic.twitter.com/zdIPy5zUpc
A third fan mentioned, "Squid Game season 3's ending showed us that capitalism always wins no matter what" – okay, and season 1's ending also showed us that. still was a useless extension of the show."
'squid game season 3's ending showed us that capitalism always wins no matter what' - okay and season 1's ending also showed us that so. still was a useless extension of the show pic.twitter.com/Wf893Urlne
"Squid Game season 3 pulled a literal GOT. You had me the first 4 episodes…you had it…then it felt rushed, and you stumbled into the finish line," mentioned one user.
Squid game season 3 pulled a literal GOT. You had me the first 4 episodes…you had it…then it felt rushed and you stumbled into the finish line. @squidgame pic.twitter.com/Q2gZbGsud6
"Season 3 of Squid Games is almost comparable to the last season of Game of Thrones. Super shit," wrote another.
Season 3 of Squid Games is almost as comparable as the last season of Game of Thrones. Super shit
However, several users defended the finale, saying it stayed true to the show's central message — that life is inherently unfair and capitalism dictates the game. Some even argued that the ending was powerful in its bleakness, reinforcing that no matter how hard you fight, the system wins in the end. As expected, the internet remains split, with some calling it a brave move and others seeing it as a letdown.
Created by Hwang Dong Hyuk, Squid Game stars Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hyun, Wi Ha Jun, and Park Sung Hoon among others. Squid Game Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
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